SO Accountant - Business Partner

SO Accountant - Finance Business Partner

Location: Hybrid - minimum 2 days per week in Belfast
Duration: Temporary - estimated to March 2027
Salary: £41,272 (fully qualified) / £37,694 (qualified by experience)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm

Apple Recruitment Services are currently seeking an experienced SO Accountant to join the Finance team of a public sector organisation, supporting its Environment and Marine Sciences Division (EMSD).

Both fully professionally qualified accountants and candidates who are qualified by experience will be considered for the role.

Duties will include:

• Providing high-quality, accurate and timely financial information to a range of stakeholders.
• Preparing regular financial reports for senior management.
• Providing expert advice and guidance to budget holders on budgeting and in-year monitoring of expenditure.
• Establishing and maintaining close and effective working relationships with colleagues across the organisation and external stakeholders.
• Assisting with the preparation of financial forecasts and costing of research and business development opportunities.
• Providing advice and guidance to safeguard public funds and ensure they are managed with probity, regularity and best value for money.
• Maintaining appropriate systems of internal control and governance frameworks.
• Supporting the development of relevant financial policies and procedures.
• Assisting with the development and implementation of financial systems to support financial management and reporting processes.
• Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of current public expenditure planning, monitoring, control and accountability systems.
• Assisting in the preparation of annual accounts and liaising with auditors as required.
• Promoting high standards of accountability, integrity and probity.
• Providing professional financial advice to support effective decision-making.
• Carrying out any other duties appropriate to the role as required.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must:

Have successfully passed the final professional examinations and be a full current member of one of the professional bodies detailed below:

• Chartered Accountants Ireland;
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland;
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants;
• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants;
• The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy;
• The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland.

OR

Have at least a total of 1 year's practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial planning and budgeting; OR
• Financial Management / Management Accounting; OR
• Financial Accounting/Auditing; OR
• Development/ Implementation of Financial Systems; OR
• Strategic planning and decision support in a finance or regulatory environment.

SO Qualified by experience:

Have at least a total of 3 year's practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial planning and budgeting; OR
• Financial Management / Management Accounting; OR
• Financial Accounting/Auditing; OR
• Development/ Implementation of Financial Systems; OR
• Strategic planning and decision support in a finance or regulatory environment.

How to Apply If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV to Caroline at

Please ensure your CV is accurate and up to date, including your full employment history, professional qualifications and current contact details.

All details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.